Table of Contents
Preface ix
1 Introduction to Problem Solving in Physics 1
The Nature of Science 1
The Problem-Solving Ring and the Process Triangle 2
2 Units and Measurements 5
Fundamental (SI) Units 5
Conversion of Units 7
Accuracy and Precision 10
Significant Figures and Data Analysis 11
Rule for Mathematical Operations 15
3 Graphical Analysis of Data 17
How to Make a Simple Linear Graph 17
Proportional Relationships 20
4 Linear Motion 29
Motion and Frame of Reference 29
Kinematic Quantities 30
Finding Displacement with Uniformly Accelerated Motion 35
Freely Falling Objects 37
Graphical Analysis of Linear Motion 40
5 Vectors 49
Review of Trigonometry 49
Combining Vectors 54
Components of Vectors 58
6 Forces 61
Types of Forces 61
Newton's Laws 62
Equilibrium 66
Hooke's Law 69
Forces on Inclines 70
Friction 72
7 Motion in a Plane 77
Horizontal Projectiles 77
Projectiles Launched at an Angle 80
Uniform Circular Motion 83
Simple Harmonic Motion 85
Torque and Rotational Equilibrium 87
8 Work, Energy, and Power 91
Work and Power 91
Work Done by Springs 94
Simple Machines 96
Potential Energy and Kinetic Energy 99
Conservation of Energy 100
9 Momentum 105
Impulse and Momentum 105
Conservation of Momentum and One-Dimensional Collisions 108
10 Gravitation 113
Kepler's Laws of Planetary Motion 113
Newton's Law of Gravitation 115
Applications of Gravitation 118
11 Fluids 121
Static Pressure 121
Archimedes' Principle 123
Buoyancy 125
Pascal's Principle 125
Bernoulli's Principle 126
12 Heat and the Kinetic Theory of Gases 129
Temperature Measurements 129
Heat Transfer 131
Change of State 134
Kinetic Theory of Gases 137
13 Waves 141
Properties of Mechanical Waves 141
Sound 147
14 Static Electricity 151
Electric Charges 151
Coulomb's Law and Electric Fields 156
Potential Difference and Voltage 159
15 Electric Circuits 165
Ohm's Law 165
Series Circuits 169
Parallel Circuits 171
16 Magnetism 175
Terrestrial Magnetism 175
Electromagnetism 177
Electromagnetic Induction 182
17 Properties of Light 189
Electromagnetic Waves 189
Reflection 191
Refraction 191
Interference and Diffraction 195
18 Geometrical Optics 199
Images Formed by Curved Mirrors 199
Images Formed by Lenses 204
19 Quantum Theory of Light 211
Photoelectric Effect 211
Matter Waves 216
Compton Effect and Photon Momentum 217
20 Atomic and Nuclear Physics 219
Spectral Lines 219
Radioactive Decay 222
Bohr Model of the Atom 223
Nuclear Models 226
Nuclear Binding Energy 228
Fission and Fusion 230
Answer Key 233
Index 253
